The QS World University Rankings by Subject, a global ranking which measures academic reputation, employer recognition, research impact and international outlook.

Algeria’s higher education sector has marked a milestone, with two universities entering the QS World University Rankings by Subject for the first time.

The University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB) ranked among the world’s top 150 institutions in petroleum engineering, placing it first in the Maghreb in that discipline. It also ranked in the 401-450 band globally in electrical and electronic engineering, and between 651 and 700 in computer science and information systems.

The University Djilali Liabes of Sidi Bel Abbes ranked between 401 and 450 worldwide in mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering, also leading in the Maghreb.

Algeria’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research described the results as a “major step forward” for the sector.

The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, published on Wednesday, March 25, covers more than 21,000 programmes across 1,900 institutions in 100 higher education systems, spanning 55 disciplines. Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said the rankings show “significant momentum” across higher education systems in the Middle East and North Africa.

The results follow years of investment in the sector. In the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 1.8 million students were enrolled in 54 universities, 40 higher schools and 13 university centres, according to Algerian authorities. More than 200,000 students received entrepreneurship training, while 117 business incubators and 55 artificial intelligence centres were established.

Algeria’s international academic standing has been rising steadily. In 2024, 86 Algerian universities were listed in the Times Higher Education index, up from 24 the previous year. Their inclusion in the QS subject rankings marks another step, measuring performance by discipline, a metric directly relevant to employers and international academic partners.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou